Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Summer = Camp

When I was growing up, summer meant family camping trips and days spent at the little lakefront town beach about 2 miles from my home, where town residents benefited from free swimming lessons, arts & crafts class, swim team, and special recreation events. I didn't know anyone who went to "camp" - that was for rich kids or city kids who needed to get out to the country for fresh air. But for my kids, summer means CAMP!

Amanda is at New Life Camp this week for Teen Week; she worked as a CIT ( counselor-in-training ) there 2 weeks ago during Early Week, when Jason was a camper. My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE New Life Camp. They know the routine by heart, can tell you what is on the menu any night of the week, look forward to Ultimate Elimination Dodge Ball and The Big Game and Snack Shack. They can pack for camp in about 30 minutes, because they know exactly what to bring -
t -shirts, shorts, sweatshirt, jammies, swimsuit, towels, shower sandals, towels, bathroom bag, Bible, Sharpies, clip on fan, pillow & bedding, bug spray, sunscreen. Plus a couple of favorite snacks, a camera, and they are all set!

Jason is at Runners Camp this week, which is a Christian Track & Field camp that runs M-F from 8:30 - 12, for kids 6-12 years old. When I first signed him up a couple of years ago, his reaction was " Runners Camp? You mean, its for running? No ball? What's the point?" But once he went he had a blast! And now he looks forward to it every summer.

This is the first summer in several years that my older kids are NOT working as summer camp counselors at New Life Camp! Sarah is in Africa this month, volunteering at a school for orphans and destitute children, and Eric is working as a lifeguard at the YMCA in order to earn enough money to go back to college in the fall.

So after this week, we are done. No more camp this summer. We are planning a week of family camping. We'll be spending a long weekend at the beach for Amanda's 16th birthday. And we'll be heading to Massachusetts for our annual week of visiting grandparents and relatives.

And summer will be over - POOF!

3 comments:

Enjoying Life Together said...

Thanks for the packing list! Hannah will be going to NLC for her first time the end of July. She's very excited!

Jane said...

Can someone tell me what happened to the month of JUNE! Can you believe it will be July 4th in two weeks? Usually have a couple of weeks to plan for upcoming school year; oh well, God will provide extra time.

Have a great summer,
Renee

GrammaJelly said...

What do you mean "summer's over"????? It hasn't started yet here. We're having temps consistently in the 60s and no change due for at least the next 7 days (I know, I know, you have 100s...want to come north early???). Looking forward to sharing a little time with you soon. lots of love, mom